The iPad is arguably one of the most popular, capable and successful portable media devices on the market at the moment. Although competing companies are starting to up their game with the release of new tablet devices, the iPad is still hanging in there at the top of that sector. To compliment the device and make the most effective use of the powerful media capabilities; Belkin has today introduced a premium speaker dock for the iPad known as the Thunderstorm Handheld Home Theater.

The product will be extensively showcased during CES in Las Vegas over the next few days, but the sole purpose of this release is to provide iPad users the true audio experience which they crave for, or deserve. The fantastic speakers on the Thunderstorm Home Theater are powered by Audifi and serve to dramatically enhance the sound quality experienced when listening to music, watching movies or playing a game on the iPad. It seems that Belkin is attempting to provide a solution to the problem of audio quality not being a match for the immersive visual experience on Apple’s tablet.

The product itself takes the form of a fairly standard looking iPad case with carries a little design inspiration taken from Apple’s own magnetic Smart Cover. The power of the Thunderstorm comes when it is docked to the iPad and the front-facing Audifi speakers are brought into the equation, ported to bring a rich audio experience that attempts to reduce sound distortion and depth. Belkin will also be releasing two different versions of the product with a 30-pin and a Lighting connector to ensure full compatibility with all iPad models.

The Thunderstorm allows the iPad to be stood in various different viewing angles, thanks to the magnetically attached folding soft cover that should provide the protection and stability needed to fully enjoy the product. Belkin has also taken into account the need to connect cables to the iPad when the accessory is in use. An extremely handy pass-through access chamber allows access to important orifices on the device as well as immediate access to the hardware switches to lock the iPad or toggle mute and rotation states.

The G3A1000 and G3A2000 (30-pin and Lighting) models will be priced at $199.99 and will be available from the Apple Store, Amazon online and a number of additional resellers when it is launched. Belkin is also planning to release a dedicated Thunderstorm iOS app that will allow users to edit and change sound profiles when using the product.

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